Bruiser

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

So this will be a very SLOW build thread as I am going through college and probably shouldn't even be doing this, but I am. I am going to build this truck based off of trading, what I have and luckily I work at a powder coating shop so I am set there. Even though this won't be a show truck I don't want it to look like a total P.O.S. Kind of like it does now...On to the two trucks.I picked up this 72' GMC 1/2 ton about a year and a half ago. It was an original Flagstaff truck sold at McCoy motors here in Flag. It was repossessed from it's original owner and bought by a gentleman here in town. At some point it was a very nice truck until one fateful day the man's son rolled it out on the rez, that rez mud can be slick! The truck still has red mud all over the underside, even after sitting for 12+ years. I "saved" the truck from going to the scrapper, although most of it will still end up there. For awhile it held my spare parts but now I am in the process of cutting up the body and prepping the frame to accept "Bruiser".

Now the affectionately named "Bruiser" is a 1969 Chevy C30 with a very bouncy suspension. I acquired this truck from my good friend, the guy I work for and the owner of the powder coating shop for partial payment on painting his 1972 3/4 ton 4x4 Chevy. He drove this truck for the last 3 years or so every day, with it's light blue paint, bouncy suspension, rusty rockers, roof, fenders and dents. Now you know why I call it "Bruiser". This is also supposedly an original Flagstaff truck that served at one of the old trading posts on HWY89 north of us.

The plan for old Bruiser is to drop it onto the 4x4's frame, as long as it's not bent! After talking to the 4x4's PO he says it has a 383, dana 60 rear with 3:73's. That will make me happy if it is all true, I know the rear is a dana 60 but not what the gear ratio is yet. I'll be using the SM465-Np205 combo, already have the adapter and a rebuilt 205, just need to change the output shaft in Bruiser's original trans. Got so many other things planned like custom bumpers, storage boxes, lift, winches, etc for Bruiser. But all of that will come once it's on the frame and my tig welding skill's improve. Anyways here's some pics, check back in maybe a year or so and there'll probably be more progress.

[flashed]

Im in for this one .

[Zoomad75]

Nothing wrong with taking the time to do it right! So many have slapped stuff together, but if you are going to have it that far apart why not clean it up, paint or in your case powdercoat and make the cleanup down the road that much easier.

I'll be watching for progress!

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Originally Posted by Zoomad75

Nothing wrong with taking the time to do it right! So many have slapped stuff together, but if you are going to have it that far apart why not clean it up, paint or in your case powdercoat and make the cleanup down the road that much easier.

I'll be watching for progress!

I plan on powder coating the frame, axles etc just so it's protected. I just have a tendency to make things too "nice" and then I don't want to take them out and get them dirty. That won't be the case with this one! The old worn out blue paint will stay and the wrecked truck has all the patches I need for the rusty areas on the blue cab.

[swamp rat]

Get'er done......

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Some tear down progress. Will be cutting this cab up, saving the rockers, top part of windshield and a few misc floor and firewall pieces for Bruiser. The rest I will post in the parts board once I get it cut out; Ac dash, firewall and any other usable piece of this thing.

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Body is gone and the frame is straight, time to tear it down, powder coat then re-assemble.

[Nitis]

subd

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Not a whole lot of progress but I now have my trans and transfer case. Got the grill coated. That's about it for now, more to come!

[bilfman]

My spidey senses are tingling , that shop looks too clean... 😱😀

[swamp rat]

^^^ And roomy too! LOL!

[El Dorado Jim]

loving this build! can't wait to see more pics

[First c10]

I'm in!

Nice thing about that shop is when your laying on your back working under the frame at dinner time all you need to do is tell some to throw you a piece of pizza and you can eat it wherever it lands...

I also love the first line on the build....."So this will be a very SLOW build thread as I am going through college and probably shouldn't even be doing this, but I am."

Maybe we need to check your grade during this build lol!!!!

Rock on!!!

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Update, axles are off the frame and taken apart. Just have a few things to clean up on the frame then it'll get coated. I've decided to do a 4" lift on it as well. Found out the rear is an open diff....bummer but they are 3:73's so it should cruise nice down the road.

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Well frame is coated along with alot of other parts! Going back together soon!

[El Dorado Jim]

anything new lately?

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Yes I've been busy getting the drive train in and I finally started the motor last week! Getting the truck body ready to set on the frame. Had to set the grille in it for a look!

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Scored a sweet "new" flatbed for my truck! Looks just like the one ton bed but its going to fit great on the new frame! Cab is coming off soon!

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Progress! I have also have decided to become an electrician...so this build should progress a little faster now!

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Progress, old paint cleaned up nice! I love the patina this thing has.

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Another, will be glad once it is rolling again.

[blue 72 gmc 4x4]

Lights are working again! Coming along. Axles and suspension are next!

[swamp rat]

Don't mind saying I really like the 4 eyed GMC look.

[flashed]

I like the look .